Squamish Helping Hands Society, along with the local non-profit startup Cutting Barriers Employment and Training Association, are pairing up to launch Giving Tuesday in Squamish on Nov. 27.
Their goal is to raise $10,000 by Dec. 31 for safe shelter, food and support programs for the vulnerable in the community.
Donations can be made to Squamish Helping Hands online at www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/38185/donation, or to Giving Tuesday at givingtuesday.ca.
The Giving Tuesday campaign launches in conjunction with Helping Hands’ annual winter clothing drive. Beginning Nov. 27, donation boxes will be set up at businesses around Squamish. Warm winter items needed are: coats, gloves, toques, rain gear, new underwear, socks, thermal underwear, toiletries and boots.
“Giving Tuesday Squamish and Give Back Local is a meaningful way for Squamish citizens to show their compassion,” said Maureen Mackell, executive director of Squamish Helping Hands, in a news release. “It allows people to have a real impact in their home community. Items and funds go directly into local services benefitting local people – kids, families, individuals – who are all are facing some kind of difficulty, whether it’s a mental health condition, isolation or poverty.
“It’s often worse during the holidays when people are reminded of what they don’t have – a home, a family, certainty...”
In the winter, Squamish Helping Hands operates an Extreme Weather Response, which provides additional shelter beds to those living rough during extreme weather conditions (below zero and incessant rain). The Extreme Weather Program runs from Nov. 1 to March 31.
Helping Hands is also involved with Under One Roof, a community hub that will provide safe shelter, food, education and employment.
Cutting Barriers has partnered with Helping Hands to offer opportunities to marginalized and low-income residents in the Sea to Sky area. The startup offers skills training, experience through volunteering and facilitates employment with local businesses.
For a campaign by Cutting Barriers, post a photo on Instagram of the items you are donating and the reason you are giving toward the Giving Tuesday campaign with the hashtag #WhyICare.
